Parking charges to be hiked

THE price of parking in Ennis is to increase from next week. Monday will see the introduction of an increase in the standard parking charge from €1.20 to €1.30, which follows on from the Government’s imposed 21% VAT charge on all parking charges.

Ennis Town Council is also inviting submissions to the Draft 2011 On-Street and Carpark Bylaws, which are on display until February 14.The bylaws giving effect to the revised fee structure came into operation on January 24 and the new charges will apply from next Monday. The fee increase was approved by elected members of Ennis Town Council at the annual budget meeting on December 20.Commenting on the charge increase, Ennis town clerk Eddie Power said, “From July 1, 2010 the council was obliged to charge VAT at 21% on off-street car parking fees. The VAT element was absorbed by the council in 2010 and even with the increase in fees for 2011, will not recover fully the resultant loss. Persons registered for VAT are entitled to seek reimbursement of the VAT from the Revenue Commissioners.”Meanwhile, Mr Power invited members of the public to view the bylaws, which have been placed on display on the Council website, www.ennistowncouncil.ie, and at the council offices in Waterpark House.According to Mr Power, “In 2011, Ennis Town Council will spend approximately €12 million delivering essential services. Income from parking fees is a significant part of the council’s budget and ensures that roads, footpaths, public lighting and street cleaning can be maintained at expected levels. These services, coupled with changes to the management of car parking in the town, are focussed on stimulating the town’s appeal to residents and visitors and delivering increased levels of business activity.”The main changes proposed in the 2011 bylaws will include a change in operational hours of car parks, currently 9.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Saturday, proposed 9am to 6pm Monday to Saturday; an extension of Pay and Display parking to all of Francis Street and Station Road; reduction in the maximum stay in the following car parks from three hours to two hours, Abbey Street, Bindon Street, Cornmarket Street, Francis Street (Friary), Friar’s Walk, Lower Market Street, Parnell Street, Wood Quay; provision of one-hour parking at Abbey Street loading bays from 11am Monday to Saturday and a change Friar’s Walk car park from four-hour maximum stay to two-hour maximum stay.Submissions relating to the bylaws must be made in writing to the town clerk by February 28, 2011.